A Final Lesson — Wingardium Leviosa

location: Duelling Club

date: Oct. 12th, 2025

speaking: 0042A9

thinking: 80A7FF

Venturing up to the fourth floor, Leo was nervously excited to be going to the Duelling club for the first time to learn a new spell from an upperclassman. As soon as Leo had heard that some of the older students would teach some first years a couple of spells he knew he had to sign up. How could he miss the chance to learn a new spell and from an older year student instead of a professor? As he made his way to the room, he wondered who else would be in his little group and what their new tutor would be like.

As he slowly pushed open the doors, he walked over to the small group that was there, assuming that was where he needed to be. He looked around the room, spotting a familiar face standing across from him, Sophie, the girl he had met on the train ride to Hogwarts. He waved back at her when he saw her waving at him before turning his attention to the older boy.

Not one for introductions I guess, Leo thought to himself as their tutor for the day began speaking, not bothering with introducing himself or learning their names either. Nevertheless, Leo couldn’t help but chuckle softly as the older began explaining the charm they were learning, the levitation spell, and sharing what seemed to be a personal experience rather than just a funny example. While Leo could tell the boy didn’t seem to want to be there, probably had better things to do other than teaching a couple of first years a somewhat simple lesson, he did appreciate the way he was teaching them. He said it himself, he wasn’t one of the professors giving us a long speech about history of the spell or anything that would usually be putting the class to sleep, no, he kept it short and simple for them.

He also realized quite quickly that the boy must not have come fully prepared as he took off one of his own socks to use as an example instead of something more practical. But he was right, this was going to be more useful, especially at home if his mother asks him to clean up his room. While one of the other girls @Verity Engelsin the group seemed not too pleased by the request, Leo shrugged and kicked off a shoe to pull his sock off, luckily they were clean today, thanks to the little house elves.

Leo paid close attention to what he was doing with his wand as well as trying to listen to how he pronounced the incantation for it. The wand movements seemed simple enough, the incantation was definitely a little long though like he said, definitely not the spell to use when you’re in a real situation. Holding his wand in his hand, Leo began practicing the movements, a simple swish and flick movement with the wand. Looking at the sock that he had placed on the table in front of him, Leo pointed the wand at it, waving the wand and flicking his wrist to do the spell movements and said the incantation, “Win-Gar-dium Levi-o-sa.” It didn’t move at all so Leo tried again, no luck. He watched the others practicing and listened to how they had been pronouncing the spell, realizing he was saying it slightly wrong. He started over from the top with the wand movements and put a little more emphasis around the ‘gar’ and ‘o’ part of the incantation like he had been seeing the others do, “Win-GAR-dium Levi-O-sa.” This time the sock began to rise off the table slightly as Leo carefully moved it up more with the wand. I guess third time’s the charm, he thought to himself as he floated the sock right into his hand.

interactions: @Marshal Mozor, @Sophia Brown, @Verity Engels

outfit: Ravenclaw sweater, black pants, black shoes

ooc notes: n/a

word count: 635

Amusement curled his lips into a smirk, ever so slight in its design as he watched them each remove a sock. All, of course, save for a girl of blonde hair (@Verity Engels), whose very posture cried indignity at such a barbaric notion. She opted instead for a tube of lip balm, which he rather enjoyed watching defy her efforts.
The sight was a bit comical, he couldn’t deny. Three first years lined up with a single foot bear, and another on the end chasing a rebellious tube. The sheer focus etched into their faces only enhanced the scene that much more.
He remembered caring as much as they did, though the memory felt like another lifetime now. Would these four, so full of life, become as detached as him one day? Or would the spark in their eyes be preserved?
Maybe their days at this place would be better; maybe they would escape misfortune and malice where he could not. He hoped so.

He also doubted so.

For now, he saw reflections of himself five years past, absorbing his instructions with care. It was a nice feeling — nicer than any he’d had for some time — the way they seemed to look up to him, as someone who could teach them something valuable. In spite of himself, the Gryffindor couldn’t help enjoying the experience, particularly when the blonde shied away from his floating sock.
He resisted a powerful urge to send it flying in her face, opting instead for some semblance of maturity in front of his pupils. Once the article of stained clothing had settled safely on the floor, he turned his attention their way expectantly, one eyebrow arched.

They seemed to take the cue, launching various attempts to replicate his demonstration.
What ensued on his end was an intriguing exercise in people-watching. As his focus abandoned one first year and transitioned to the next, he noted the differences in each approach. A couple of them were keen to center their attention within, more concerned with their own efforts and how they might be improved upon than studying their peers. Specifically on that path of introspection was the blonde girl with her special tube of lip-balm, and a tall brunette, whose emerald eyes burned with a drive for success (@Sophia Brown). It came as little surprise, he mused, that the trim of her robes matched the shade of her gaze. He knew that face as one only a Slytherin could properly wear.
There again was a note of intrigue, as he considered the knowledge of a sentient hat, and its unfailing connection to the inner workings of so many minds. Battered though it was, that hat never quite seemed to miss.

Through similar approaches, the two girls garnered similar results, achieving success within a couple of attempts. Marshal nodded lightly in acknowledgement, offering a brief smile of confirmation. They had done it, and thus completed his ‘course,’ as it were.
As for the other two, he noticed a distinctly different process of learning. Theirs was more of observation, and taking note of the success or failure of those converse to them.

First of these was the lone boy under his tutelage (@Leo Noxey), a specimen of fair skin and contrasting black hair, which hung just low enough to tease one’s view of his eyes. To his credit, the boy did attempt the spell on his own; but upon meeting failure, his attention would swivel to his peers, studying the discrepancies between his own efforts and theirs. Then, with information anew, he would redouble his endeavors, ultimately finding success.
As for his counterpart (@Audrey Wysh), her mousey brown hair flowed past her shoulders, while a verdant gaze keenly watched the others cast prior to a single attempt of her own.

How interesting, he thought, that these two shared the azure-trimmed identification of house Ravenclaw. Thoughtful and patient where their fellow pupils forged ahead with abandon, they fed the pattern of inquisitive birds, furthering the standard of those who came before.
Thinking back, Marshal supposed he’d been more akin to the first two, yet more reckless and less adept. He shrugged to himself. Being the only Gryffindor in the room, he could make no comparison, but it was safe to say he fit the stereotype.

At no point did the sixth year step in to offer further assistance as the younger students struggled, opting instead to watch, a spark of amusement dancing in eyes of hazel. Learning, after all, was best had through action. Trial was a necessity, and error inevitably came in turn. He was sure they would find success in their own way, and when the final girl set her sock aloft, he raised his hands to either side.
”And there you have it,” he said, “a new spell for your magicking pleasure. Not too difficult, eh? You’re one step closer to never having to physically move anything again.” Not that he personally used magic for mundane tasks. He generally preferred his hands. Despite all his time at Hogwarts, it simply felt more natural.

Having every intention to leave the lesson there and go on with his day, the Gryffindor was somewhat annoyed when a question arose from the blonde girl’s mouth, throwing a wrench in his plan.
He shrugged loosely in response. ”The limits really depend on the person casting the spell.” He’d entertained similar questions in the past, but that didn’t mean he wanted to be the one answering them now. ”Notice how your first attempts were shaky, and lifting even something so light felt difficult. But try again and it’s likely to be easier. The more you train with this spell and with your magic in general, the more you will be able to lift, just like physically lifting weights will strengthen your muscles.” Almost instinctively, he tensed one arm, flexing the considerable muscle mass located there. The action was less an effort of arrogance, and more of demonstration. Having spent time training his body, he knew the concept well. ”The idea is the same. The limit for you is different from the limit for me, and mine is different from a professor’s.” Replacing his wand in his sleeve, he buried his hands lazily in his pockets and tilted his head. ”As for other spells, you’ll figure it out. I’ve taught you everything I signed up for.” With one final glance across his temporary pupils, the lackadaisical lion offered one last bit of advice. ”See you around, first years. Good luck, be careful who you trust, and always remember: nothing is at it seems at Hogwarts.”
With that, he made for the door and was gone.

OOC Note
This marks the completion of this event! Thank you all for participating, and please feel free to continue this as a role play thread between one another! If you do so, you are obviously welcome to role play reactions/responses to my post, but keep in mind that Marshal has exited the thread.

See you around, first years!